CVS appeals for more people to become trustees of Sefton Charities

CVS appeals for more people to become trustees of Sefton Charities

A leading Sefton charity support organisation is appealing for more local residents to offer their services as trustees of good causes across the borough.

Waterloo-based Sefton CVS is also hosting two events in November to help people find out more about what this involves.

The first of these events – which have been organised to tie in with this year’s national Trustees’ Week celebrations – will be held at Southport Community Centre on Norwood Road in the town from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday 12th November.

The second event will be held at the same time the following  day, Tuesday 13th November, at Sefton CVS’s HQ at Burlington House on Crosby Road North in Waterloo.

CVS Senior Citizenship and Volunteering Officer, Mike Howlett, says it is important to raise awareness of the vital work that trustees do, especially this year which has been designated as Sefton’s Year of the Volunteer.

Trustees are effectively the people in charge of a charity or community group, volunteering their time to make vital decisions about the organisation’s work and future plans.

Mr Howlett explained: “Trustees play a key role in the running of charity and community organisations in Sefton, and therefore make a huge impact on the people that these groups support, who are often some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“We are regularly contacted by organisations looking for trustees, so there is always a need for volunteers who have the passion, experience and skills to help a charity to develop.”

Mr Howlett added that enthusiasm and commitment are important assets for all trustees, but specific skills that charities are seeking include expertise in management, employment law, staff supervision, data analysis and marketing.

Other in-demand skills include finance, project management, research, volunteer management and problem solving.

Maggi Aslet, CVS Area Development Officer, added: “These events are a great opportunity to find out about the role of a trustee, and also the positive impact trustees have on the organisations they serve.

“Although there won’t be any commitment to get involved, people who attend may just find the ideal organisation to link up with.”

Places at the two events are limited so booking is essential. To reserve a place ring Sefton CVS on 0151 920 0726 or email info@volunteeringsefton.org.uk.